Packing for self storage is an art and you will need to plan ahead before you begin.

Access is available to you 24 hours a day (see opening hours in Contact Us page),
but remember to choose the container size which is right for your needs and anticipate your future requirements at the same time. Container Parks can provide a comprehensive packing support service to suit all customer needs.

44 POINTS FOR YOU TO VIEW & DO

1.	When packing ensure you label and locate so you can find them at a later date remembering to allow for access and walkways during your storage time, you don't want to unload everything to get to the back of the container for something you need.
2.	Create a storage location log along with an inventory sheet.
3.	Make an estimate of the replacement value of each item you store to help with accurate insurance policies and in case of unforeseen damage.
4.	Invest in good quality sturdy boxes and packing materials - box strength degrades with use. Tape the bottom of each box prior to filling. When packing the boxes you could use specialist paper or towels. However, we recommend you wrap your goods according to value and vulnerability e.g. stand plates on edge, not flat, China, Crystal, all glassware, pictures, mirrors using bubble wrap, using newspapers may stain or damage your valuables. Quality furniture with finished surfaces and corners will require a combination of corrugated card and bubble wrap. Ensure small items are wrapped in plain paper to avoid them being thrown away with the waste wrapping paper.
5.	Label all boxes clearly so you can identify the contents and mark your inventory accordingly. Label them on more than one side so you can see what is what quickly. Mark or label "FRAGILE" on any boxes containing breakable items.
6.	Box everything that you can - everything that is left unboxed in storage may get dusty.
7.	Fill boxes to capacity wherever possible to avoid breakages but avoid making them too heavy - remember you'll have to be able to lift them. You might be stacking boxes on top of each other and the lower levels need to be sturdy enough to take the strain. Boxes that are only partly filled may tip over or collapse if used at the bottom of the stack.
8.	Don't be tempted to fill large boxes with heavy items such as books etc as they'll quickly become impossible to carry and to avoid injury when lifting.
9.	Don't pack items into sealed plastic bags, as humidity can cause mildew.
10.	Large boxes can be utilised in packing lightweight items.
11.	Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.
12.	Don't store wet items in a self-storage facility as they can cause water damage, mould and mildew.
13.	Refrigerators and freezers need care before placing in a self-storage facility - make sure you defrost fridges and freezers thoroughly before storing them otherwise you'll be leaving yourself open to water damage. Tape or tie up electrical cables to back of machine to prevent plug damage. Tie doors up for the move, although you should leave them slightly ajar once in storage to stop condensation forming and help ward off bad odours. Disconnect and empty all hoses from washing and dishwasher machines and place in the tub. Tape or tie up electrical cables to back of machines to prevent plug damage. Appliances should be clean and dry and it'll be worthwhile wiping the insides over with bicarbonate of soda before you store them. Interior space can be utilised to store lightweight or crushable items.
14.	Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as dishes, glasses, ornaments etc separately. Paper will do but bubble wrap is a good investment. Pack them tightly into strong boxes, filling any gaps with paper or foam peanuts. Try to avoid putting heavy items on top of fragile ones.
15.	If you're going to be storing clothes think about buying wardrobe or clothes boxes - you'll then be able to simply hang the clothes in them and they'll keep their shape. It's not wise to simply put your clothes in bin liners.
16.	For the best protection for mirrors and pictures in a storage facility, wrap them in a protective covering such as bubble wrap or mirror/picture boxes and stack them on their ends. Mirrors and pictures should never be stored flat. Mark or label them as "FRAGILE".
17.	Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them for protection.
18.	If you're storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas in storage it might be a good idea to invest in covers, bags or sheeting to give them some additional protection. Stand sofas and mattresses on end wherever possible to save space and don't stack too much on top of soft furnishings. Mattresses are best stored on the long end and should be ideally raised above floor level or laid on protective sheeting.
19.	If you're storing a few items of furniture on top of each other a simple dust sheet or cover placed between items will minimize scratching and damage whilst in storage.
20.	You'll save space if you can dismantle furniture such as beds and tables before you store it in a self-storage facility - make sure you keep hold of all the bits so you can get it all back together again! Wrap and cover furniture sections and keep them together, clearly marked, for quick retrieval. You can put components such as screws and bolts together in a plastic bag, mark them clearly and tape to the relevant piece of furniture. Store large pieces of furniture vertically to save space in the facility.
21.	Chairs can be stacked seat to seat to save space. Cover chair legs with protective wrapping for extra protection.
22.	Spray your wood furniture with a good quality furniture spray before storing it in the facility to give it some added protection.
23.	Electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos and computers should be packed in their original boxes after being bubble wrapped wherever possible. If this isn't possible, pack them into boxes that are about the right size making sure that you pack gaps with bubble wrap. It is essential when packing DVD or video players that you avoid the use of shredded materials and small "seeded" packing as they may get inside the workings.
24.	.If you're storing items with fuel tanks such as lawn mowers and cars etc in a facility, expect to be asked to drain the tanks before you put them in storage. Fuel is one of the few things that you CANNOT store in a self-storage facility. Do not store anything "COMBUSTIBLE" i.e. paint thinners, petrol, solvents etc.
25.	Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing to avoid rust formation.
26.	You can tie tools and long-handled items in bundles. Don't store a brush resting on the bristles.
27.	Don't store vacuum cleaners with the bag in - throw it away before you store them in the facility.
28.	Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them.
29.	Think creatively and you'll make more space. Plan to use furniture drawers as an extra box (they are especially good for fragile items) and you can use the inside of wardrobes to store boxes. Kitchen appliances such as stoves and fridges can also be used in this way.
30.	Seal all your boxes with packing tape before you put them in a self-storage facility - this will help keep dust out of the contents.
ORGANIZING YOUR SELF-STORAGE UNIT At this stage in your self-storage process, it's worthwhile taking some time to plan exactly how to pack your items into the unit. Unit sizes are determined by price so you can save money here by assessing what you have to store and planning to pack it in efficiently - a smaller and well-packed unit will be cheaper than a larger one that is badly organized.
31.	There is one thing to remember when organizing your self-storage unit. These are your belongings and there are measures you can take, apart from careful packing, that will help protect them during their time in the facility.
32.	Depending on items stored it may be prudent to put down protective sheeting or boarding.
33.	If you are storing heavy items or boxes you may need mobile stairs, forklifts or other machinery (ask for details)
34.	Store your largest items first.
35.	Stack boxes and similarly sized items together to save space.
36.	Try not to lean furniture against outside walls.
37.	If you're storing metal objects avoid resting them against items that can be damaged.
38.	Try to assess what you'll need to access frequently and keep it at the front of your unit.
39.	Fill anything that's hollow - i.e. wardrobes, drawers, washing machines and fridges with small boxes and other items to maximize your available space.
40.	Make sure to stack boxes and containers so that you can see the labels you put on them.
41.	Wedge the doors of all kitchen appliances whilst in the facility open to avoid bad odours and mildew etc., building up.
42.	Don't store anything in the facility that you're not sure is sturdy vertically - if it seems wobbly store it horizontally.
43.	If you have concerns about the atmosphere and the environment within the container due to the nature of the items being stored don't hesitate to ask for our qualified advice.
44.	We would recommend that you remove the batteries from all Battery operated appliances and toys to avoid damage from leaking batteries and to prevent damage to the toys.

2 x MONTHS COUNTDOWN CHECK LIST

Two months before moving
• Make your home feel specious by placing all excess furniture and non essential items into storage; Not in your garage.
• Take a copy of all our storage tips to help you plan your move more effectively.
• Talk to Container Parks about van hire or organising a removal firm.
• Arrange your packing and storage supplies
• Start sorting and clearing your loft and garage. Place all important documents in archive boxes and label clearly. If required, you can put some of these items into storage to make your moving day
easier.

One month before moving
• Start packing items that are used infrequently.
• Register with your new doctor, dentist, school etc if you are moving out of the area.
• If you are moving to a new town, a local map can be handy.
• Ensure all your arrangements are in place.
• Maps of new location.

Two weeks before moving
• Contact all utility and service companies to arrange supply to your new home.
• Make sure you take readings of your gas and electricity on the day of leaving and forward the
information to the appropriate service provider.
• Inform all relevant people and companies of your change of address.
• Organise your mail to be re-directed for at least three months.

One week before moving
• Confirm with your solicitor that your moving date has been confirmed.
• Make sure that all your packing is on schedule.
• Remind friends and family that you may need their help to move.

The day before
• All items that you will need on your moving day such as; Tape measure, extension leads, step
ladder, keys, tools etc should be put to one side.
• If moving yourself, collect hire van at the best time.
• To assist with any heavy items ask our Park Manager about the availability of trolley or fork lift trucks etc.
• Move all packed boxes into a suitable room downstairs. This will help when loading your goods on moving day.

On moving day
• Make sure you carry with you: keys to your new home and existing home, directions and map if
required, money, important documents, your 'essentials box', any items of great personal value,
hygiene supplies and a fresh change of clothes.
• Place dustsheets on carpets when moving in and out to avoid any floor damage.
• Un-load your belongings and place them in a designated arrivals room.
• If you have used a removal company, do an inventory and damage check before signing any
paperwork.
• If you have hired a van, clean out and return as arranged.

I hope we have been of assistance in your successful move.
From all at Container Parks, Paisley.